Navigating child custody in New York City can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. At NYC Family Law Group, we’ve helped thousands of parents in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island secure custody arrangements that protect their children and their rights.
Here’s your complete 2025 guide to NYC child custody laws.
Types of Custody in New York
New York recognizes two main categories:
1. Legal Custody
- The right to make major decisions about your child’s:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Religion
- Extracurricular activities
Most parents share joint legal custody unless one is unfit.
2. Physical (Residential) Custody
- Where the child lives day-to-day.
- Options include:
- Joint Physical Custody – Child splits time between homes
- Primary Physical Custody – One parent is the main residence
- Sole Custody – Rare; awarded if the other parent poses a risk
- Options include: